Who Was Francis Omondi Ogolla? Kenya's Defence Chief Dies In Helicopter Crash

who was francis omondi ogolla? kenya’s defence chief dies in helicopter crash

Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla died in a chopper crash Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred in West Pokot. The country’s spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on X, platform formerly known as Twitter, that President William Ruto ‘has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council at State House Nairobi this evening following a Kenya Defence Forces’ helicopter crash this afternoon in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.”

Ogolla’s daughter, Lorna Omondi Ogolla, confirmed her father’s death.

“My father. Pursuer of excellence. Most empathetic and effective leader and statesman just went down in a chopper crash in West Pokot,” Lorna said in a social media post on Thursday evening. She further added that he died while “doing what he did best for the better part of the last 40 years – trying to keep Kenya Safe.”

President William Ruto and his wife paid their tributes to Ogolla. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, Aieleen Ogolla, and the family during this difficult time. We also remember the other families affected by this unfortunate accident and pray that God comforts and strengthens them,” Mama Rachel Ruto said on X.

Who was Francis Omondi Ogolla?

Francis Omondi Ogolla was promoted to the rank of General by President William Ruto in 2023. He was appointed as the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF). Ogolla had previously served as the the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces.

Ogolla joined the Kenya Defence Forces in 1984 and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in May 1985. He trained as a fighter pilot with USAF and as an instructor pilot at the Kenya Air Force (KAF).